Quick plays: TELERGY, TARJA TURUNEN

This is a big gamble for both Tarja and her record label, as even they have not released an all classical/crossover album as far as I am aware. On this album she records twelve versions of the classical tune ‘Ave Maria’, each one a different interpretation by a composer including Tarja’s own version.

It is a tough album to take in, not that the music or singing is questionable, more it is very intense having a dozen of the same song sung in operatic style. The recording is made for headphones though as the musical backing is minimal allowing Tarja’s voice to take centre stage.

I won’t give this a rating as that depends on your musical tastes. I hope this does open a new classical audience for Tarja’s music and singing, as the classical world is even more clique than sections of the rock world. If you are a Nightwish/Tarja fan approach with an open mind as it is a lot to take in, although her voice is always the star as it should be.

Review by Jason Ritchie

TELERGY – Hypatia
www.telergymusic.com

Telergy is a progressive rock project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Robert McClung. This is the third album under this banner and tells the story of Hypatia, who lived in ancient Greece and was a philosopher and a scientist.

It has spoken word passages between the music to keep the story flowing and the music mixes instrumentals, vocals and a couple of choral passages. It works well overall and the title track along with ‘Astronomer’ (think Savatage by way of the pomp of Kansas) are cracking pieces of symphonic prog rock. Robert McClung would work well with Arena’s Clive Nolan, as both approach their music from a theatrical slant.

Head over the to Telergy website for more, it will be worth your time and listening pleasure. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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